NAFEM 2025: Insights and Innovations from Rapids Team

One of the most significant changes Jason Wacker observed was the industry-wide shift to R290 refrigerants. With this transition, safety and sustainability are top priorities, ensuring our designs will align with these evolving standards. Among the standout products, Jason highlighted advancements in blast chilling technology, particularly its potential in properly cooling mass-produced items like soups. These systems ensure that food products are cooled efficiently, preserving quality and safety.

Additionally, the incorporation of robotics was widespread, with L&T Restaurant Equipment showcasing their PANDA® Electric Series — an automatic cooking machine designed to improve kitchen efficiency. This commercial automatic stir-fry machine can cook food in 3 minutes or less, making it a versatile solution for a variety of applications, including pasta. The future of kitchen automation is here, and Jason is excited to integrate these innovations into our designs.

Christy was particularly impressed with T&S Brass’s ultra-rinse system, which serves as a powerful and efficient spray rinse. It’s an ideal addition for prep areas, ensuring quick and effective cleaning for various tasks. She also noted the value of the Glass Tender residential units, a great solution for bringing commercial-grade glasswashing capabilities into residential kitchens.

Lakeside’s motorized bars and school merchandiser carts also stood out as practical solutions for enhancing the functionality and flow of service in schools and other institutions. Lastly, Vulcan’s combi ovens caught Christy’s eye due to their increased user-friendliness, making high-quality cooking even more accessible to kitchen staff.

Jason Andriano was particularly excited by the Advanced Tabco augmented reality system, which brings flexibility and customization to the next level. The ability to modify and place sinks and other elements on a table with fluid ease offers a glimpse into a more dynamic and adaptable kitchen layout process.

Another futuristic development that Jason noted was the robotic arm technology used in kitchens, capable of handling tasks like moving French fries from fryer to serving tray. It’s a clear indicator of how robotics can significantly reduce labor in high-demand kitchen environments, making kitchen operations more streamlined and efficient.